Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Montclair State University is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to earn initial teacher certification in New Jersey while completing a graduate degree. This program prepares students to lead a classroom with confidence, studying curriculum design, instructional strategies, and classroom management, with a focus on creating equitable and engaging learning environments for all students.

Program Format and Structure

• The program combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experiences, including student teaching in partner schools.
• This hands-on approach ensures graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to thrive from their first day as teachers.
• The program offers pathways in multiple content areas and grade levels, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals.

Areas of Concentration

The MAT program offers concentrations in:

• Early Childhood Education (P-3)
• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Subject Area (P-12), with specialization options including:
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • English
  • English as a Second Language
  • French
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical Science
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish

Additional Certifications and Endorsements

For additional credits, students can earn:

• Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) certification, which qualifies educators to teach and support students with diverse learning needs across preschool through grade 12.
• Bilingual Bicultural Education Endorsement, preparing teachers to work with P-12 English Language Learners and their families.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, providing skills and tools necessary to support multi-lingual students.

Combined Degree Options

Students can ladder up to the MAT by combining a bachelor's degree at Montclair with the MAT, earning a bachelor's degree, master's degree, subject area teacher certification, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification in just five years. Bachelor's programs that can be combined with the MAT include:

• Visual Arts (Art Certification)
• Biology (Biological Sciences Certification)
• Chemistry (Chemistry Certification)
• Early Childhood Education (Early Childhood P-3 Certification)
• Earth and Environmental Science (Earth Science Certification)
• Elementary Education (Elementary K-6 Certification)
• English (English Certification)
• Linguistics (English as a Second Language Certification)
• Physical Education (Health & Physical Education Certification)
• French (French Certification)
• Mathematics (Mathematics Certification)
• Music Education (Music Certification)
• Physics (Physical Science certification)
• Spanish (Spanish Certification)

Application and Admission

Application Checklist

To apply, students must submit:

• Online application with a non-refundable $60 application fee
• Official transcripts from each college attended
• Statement of Objectives, addressing specific questions related to democratic citizenship and teaching practices
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Standardized test scores (required for admission)
• For applicants with non-U.S. degrees, US degree equivalency information is required.

Application Deadlines

• July 1st for Fall admission
• December 1st for Spring admission for Initial Certification applications

Conclusion

The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Montclair State University offers a comprehensive pathway to a teaching career, with a focus on creating engaging and equitable learning environments. Through its various concentrations, additional certifications, and combined degree options, the program caters to a wide range of academic and professional goals, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their students.